Compare Schlage Encode Smart Lock vs Schlage Encode Plus Smart Lock

Activity history, lock logs, and audit trails were repeatedly mentioned as useful for knowing who locked or unlocked the door and when.

Access logs are a clear Schlage app strength, with multiple reviews mentioning history or activity logs showing who accessed the lock and how.

The tamper/forced-entry alarm exists, but loudness opinions vary sharply from quiet to deafening or 90 dB.

The lock includes an alarm/siren, but loudness evidence is mixed to weak because multiple reviewers say it is not very loud.

The app was usually described as useful or easy for status, codes, locks, and history, but setup and third-party configuration were sometimes confusing.

The app experience is useful but fragmented: Schlage Home exposes important settings, while HomeKit setup and management can be limited or confusing.

Auto-lock is widely supported and often appreciated, though reviewers warned it can be risky without door-sense if the door is open.

Auto-lock is well supported across the evidence, with Schlage app delays, HomeKit automations, and five-minute relock examples.

One locksmith test found the keypad temporarily disabled after multiple invalid codes, although it did not send an active phone notification.

Wrong-code protection is supported through keypad lockouts and alarms after repeated failed code attempts.

Locksmith reviews confirmed the bolt can adjust between common 2-3/8-inch and 2-3/4-inch backsets.

One review lists a universal backset that adjusts to both 2 3/8-inch and 2 3/4-inch doors.

Battery evidence centered on four AA batteries, often around six months of life; Wi-Fi drain was a repeated caveat, though one reviewer reported 40 percent after five months.

Battery evidence is mixed, ranging from two-month criticism to four AA batteries, six-month estimates, included batteries, and better expectations over Thread.

Bluetooth evidence is limited but positive, with reviewers noting nearby communication and one locksmith emphasizing encrypted Bluetooth.

Bluetooth is present as part of the lock's connectivity, but reviewers tend to frame Thread or Wi-Fi as more important for performance and range.

Most evidence points to sturdy, heavy, secure hardware, although one reviewer criticized the bulky interior electronics housing.

Build quality is viewed positively overall, with BHMA/ANSI certification evidence, Schlage brand trust, and reviewer comments about solid or reliable construction.

Doorbell and camera integration was strongest with Ring and Amazon Key for live-view lock control, but Ring Alarm support and multi-app setup caused limitations.

Door-sense is a clear limitation: one review explicitly listed no door sense and described the auto-lock open-door risk.

Door-sense support is weak because one review explicitly says there is no sensor to tell whether the door is open or shut.

Reviewers found the lock compatible with standard deadbolt holes and common door thicknesses, but one installation needed strike-plate alignment work.

Door fit is generally favorable for standard deadbolt doors, with reviewers stressing smooth bolt travel, proper strike alignment, and supported door thickness.

The Encode is a full deadbolt replacement, so it generally replaces rather than reuses the existing lock body.

Evidence supports reusing compatible existing hardware, including an existing strike plate or an existing Schlage Sense deadbolt part when it fits properly.

Fingerprint support is absent in the reviewed evidence; one reviewer specifically wished Schlage had added a fingerprint recognition sensor.

Fingerprint support is absent; the clearest review evidence says there is no fingerprint sensor.

Direct finish evidence is limited, but GearBrain cited the top ANSI/BHMA Grade AAA rating for security, durability, and finish.

Finish durability has one strong certification-based support point from the BHMA rating that explicitly includes finish.

Geofencing and true auto-unlock were repeatedly called out as missing compared with some alternatives.

Geofencing is context-dependent: HomeKit can provide location-based lock/unlock automations, but one review says the lock lacks geofencing without that ecosystem.

Guest access was a major strength, especially the 100-code capacity plus temporary, recurring, scheduled, or app-based access options.

Guest access is a strength, with up to 100 codes, guest codes, scheduled access, temporary access, and easy code sharing mentioned repeatedly.

Reviewers strongly agreed that the lock avoids a separate hub, bridge, adapter, or Wi-Fi module, which simplifies ownership.

Hub needs depend on use case: built-in Wi-Fi reduces bridge needs, but Apple Home remote access or Thread benefits can require Apple TV, HomePod mini, or another compatible hub.

Installation was usually described as screwdriver-simple and fast, often helped by app guides or snap-in hardware, though some reviewers found setup, programming, or alignment tricky.

Reviewers consistently describe installation and setup as easy or quick, often around 10 to 15 minutes, though proper alignment and app setup still matter.

Jam-related evidence is limited and negative, with one reviewer reporting jamming at low battery rather than strong jam detection behavior.

Reviewers frequently valued the physical key backup for battery, app, or electronics failures, although some noted the package includes only one key.

Reviewers repeatedly confirm a physical key or traditional key access as a backup, which helps offset battery or smart-feature failures.

The keypad was usually easy, backlit, accessible, or responsive, with minor complaints about night visibility and limited settings granularity.

Keypad opinions are mixed: reviewers like responsiveness, backlighting, and code entry, but several complain that the numbers are hard to see or lack tactile feedback.

Keyway evidence is limited to one locksmith review identifying the Schlage SC1/C keyway and straightforward rekeying.

A locksmith-focused reviewer says the lock can be re-keyed, especially with compatible five-pin Schlage key locks.

Keypad and app unlocking were often described as instant or near-instant, while voice/app status updates sometimes showed lag.

Unlocking is generally fast, especially with Home Key, Apple Watch, mobile app, voice/app commands, or Thread, though one reviewer found NFC positioning less instant in daily use.

Motor feedback was mixed: some reviewers found it quiet or strong, while others described it as loud, grinding, or bulky.

Motor and mechanical operation are frequently praised as smooth, quiet, or noticeably quieter than older Schlage or Nest x Yale locks.

Locking reliability was generally strong, with multiple reviewers reporting flawless, smooth, or reliably working lock/unlock behavior.

Reliability is a common positive, with several reviewers calling the lock fast, reliable, or instantly responsive once installed and powered properly.

Notifications for lock state, code use, or battery were useful across many reviews, though invalid-code push alerts were not always available.

Notification support is strong, including lock/unlock alerts, named-user Home Key notifications, wrong-code notifications, and app notification settings.

Physical security was a major strength, with repeated Grade 1/ANSI/BHMA praise and reinforcement hardware evidence.

Physical attack resistance has supportive evidence from the built-in siren, brute-force lockout discussion, and high ANSI Grade 1 certification.

Pick and drill evidence is mixed: one review cites resistance to bumping and picking, while a locksmith called the stock cylinder good but not impossible to pick.

Remote access was consistently supported, letting users lock or unlock from the app or phone while away, with some app-flow caveats.

Remote access is supported through Wi-Fi, mobile apps, HomeKit/Schlage control, and remote code creation, though some Apple scenarios depend on a hub.

Security encryption evidence is limited to one locksmith review explicitly praising encrypted Bluetooth.

Security-feature evidence is mixed: AES encryption and optional Face ID/passcode support help, while reviewers criticize missing anti-peep keypad features or less-secure Express Mode.

Smart-home integration is useful but uneven: Alexa, Google, Ring, Amazon Key, and Home Assistant appear in evidence, while HomeKit, IFTTT, SmartThings, and Ring Alarm limitations recur.

Smart-home integration is the product's strongest theme, with repeated support for Apple Home/Home Key, Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, Wi-Fi, Thread, and HomeKit.

Tamper detection is supported through the built-in alarm, and one review specifically noted adjustable alarm sensitivity in the app.

Tamper sensitivity is supported through app-adjustable alarm or forced-entry sensitivity settings.

The touch interface was considered responsive and fingerprint resistant by some, but another locksmith noted it is not a true modern touchscreen.

Touchscreen feedback is mixed, with praise for backlighting and readability in some reviews but criticism of touch-only feedback, dim visibility, and no haptics in others.

Two-factor authentication is a clear weakness because one review states the Schlage app lacks it.

User management is flexible through access codes, schedules, time limits, virtual keys, and PIN changes, but one review noted no single-use code.

User access management is strong, with residents, guests, admin keys, virtual keys, code schedules, and app/HomeKit management appearing across many reviews.

Value was context-dependent: reviewers called it expensive or not the best value, but many still found it worth the money for features and security.

Value opinions are mixed: reviewers praise Home Key and overall capability, but many call the lock expensive or note it costs more than alternatives.

Voice control works mainly through Alexa and Google, with unlock often requiring a PIN and Google unlock support limited or absent in several reviews.

Voice control is well supported across Siri, Alexa, and Google, though one reviewer notes Siri unlocks may require phone confirmation for security.

Warranty evidence was positive where mentioned, including lifetime mechanical and 3-year electronics coverage or a three-year warranty.

Warranty evidence is positive, with one review citing lifetime mechanical coverage and three years for electronics.

Weather-resistance evidence is limited to PCMag identifying the exterior keypad escutcheon as weatherproof.

Weather evidence is mixed: one review cites broad operating temperatures but no IP rating, while another criticizes the Schlage line for not meeting stronger weather-resistance expectations.

Built-in 2.4GHz Wi-Fi is a core strength for remote access and hub-free setup, though reviewers noted connection and battery tradeoffs.

Built-in Wi-Fi is a major capability, with reviewers noting direct Wi-Fi setup and no separate bridge for basic Wi-Fi connectivity.